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Philharmonic Society of Corfu

The Philharmonic Society of Corfu (also known as «Old Philharmonic») is the oldest musical-educational organization in Greece. It was founded on the 12th of September 1840. Its band is the first one to play the National Anthem in 1864 and the first which played the Olympic Hymn in the modern Olympic Games in 1896. The typical color of the uniforms of the musicians is blue and red, the colors of the Ionian State.

Thousands of children and adults in Corfu learned music in the Philharmonic Society of Corfu, this historical society which changed the course of musical education, not only in Corfu but, also in all of Greece. Even today hundreds of students learn about music for the first time because of the free teaching of the wind and percussion instruments. Some of them also discover their musical talent, a fact which leads them finally to follow a professional career in music.

The Philharmonic Society of Corfu participates in the most significant, cultural, social and religious events of the island. The most characteristic appearance of the «Old Philharmonic», a moment that every Corfiot remembers throughout his life, is when it plays the mournful Adagio of Albinoni, during the procession of the Epitaph of the Cathedral, on Good Friday.

From the end of the 90s, the Philharmonic Society of Corfu has begun a series of actions with the purpose of broadening its musical activities. Apart from its band, the Philharmonic has a symphonic orchestra. Its bandina also offers an opportunity for budding musicians to participate from an early age in a musical ensemble. Every year 100-150 new students are enrolled in its schools in order to learn music free of charge. Also, the new hall of events, hosts student concerts and other musical events, while since 2009 musicological lectures are also organized there. In the building of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu which is located in the Old City  behind Liston, operates since 2010 the Musical Museum of the Philharmonic.

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